After nine years with the Los Angeles Chargers, Joey Bosa is set to hit free agency. With teams always searching for pass-rush help, the five-time Pro Bowler should have no shortage of suitors.
Releasing Bosa saved the Chargers more than $25 million in cap space, but it also leaves them with major questions on the edge. Meanwhile, the rest of the NFL has a chance to land an experienced, high-level defensive playmaker. Here are five potential landing spots that make sense.
What Does Joey Bosa Bring to Free Agency?
Bosa isn’t the same player he was early in his career. Injuries have plagued his last three seasons, limiting him to just 32 appearances, including the playoffs.
However, his 15 starts in 2024 suggest he’s trending in the right direction health-wise. Importantly, Bosa’s injuries have been separate issues rather than one recurring problem—meaning there’s no lingering concern that should scare teams away.
When on the field, he remains productive. Bosa finished 2024 with 14 quarterback hits, six sacks, and six tackles for loss—solid numbers, even if he’s no longer in the NFL’s elite pass-rusher tier.
Five Potential Landing Spots
Much of the buzz has centered around Bosa joining his brother, Nick, on the San Francisco 49ers, but where else could he end up?
Several teams struggled to pressure quarterbacks in 2024, with the bottom four in pressure percentage all holding top-eight picks in April’s draft. But with Bosa likely preferring a contender, these five teams make the most sense.
San Francisco 49ers
This is the most popular rumor, and for good reason. The idea of the Bosa brothers terrorizing quarterbacks together is an enticing one. The younger Bosa has been one of the league’s top edge rushers since entering the NFL in 2019, and pairing the two would give San Francisco a fearsome front.
However, J.J. Watt recently suggested that Joey Bosa might avoid San Francisco due to Nick’s current contract situation.
"Joey Bosa is very effective as a pass rusher..
He's still got plenty left in the tank & it would be really cool if he went & played with his brother..
When I was a free agent TJ was up for a contract..
I wasn't gonna take any money away from my brother" ~ @JJWatt #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/RtQFeKD1pV
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 6, 2025
After recent massive extensions for Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett, the 49ers may have to pay up soon to keep Nick happy. If that becomes a hurdle, Joey could look elsewhere. If not, NFC quarterbacks could be in serious trouble in 2025.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders made an improbable run to the NFC Championship last season behind new head coach Dan Quinn and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Now, they’re looking to take the next step.
Washington has been linked to a trade for Trey Hendrickson, signaling its clear intent to bolster the pass rush. If that deal falls through, Bosa would be an intriguing alternative.
Quinn hasn’t shied away from signing veteran players, adding Bobby Wagner and Zach Ertz—and re-signing both. Bosa fits that mold and could be a key piece for a team aiming for another deep playoff run.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills have been busy locking up key pieces ahead of free agency, but they also just released Von Miller. Cutting Miller saved Buffalo $8.4 million in cap space for 2025 but left a hole in their pass rush.
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Miller, at 35, was struggling to stay on the field, failing to top 32 defensive snaps in any game last season. By comparison, Bosa played 40 or more snaps in seven different games. If the Bills want to get younger while keeping some veteran experience, Bosa could be a perfect fit.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints aren’t a contender, but they desperately need help generating pressure. Bryan Bresee led the team with 7.5 sacks in 2024, while no edge rusher topped Bosa’s total of six.
With Chase Young hitting free agency and Carl Granderson (5.5 sacks) the next-best returning option, Bosa would immediately improve New Orleans’ pass rush. However, the Saints’ dire cap situation makes this a long shot.
Los Angeles Chargers
Bosa’s release was a financial decision, not a football one. That means a return on a new, cheaper deal isn’t out of the question.
The Chargers are still contenders, and at 29, Bosa may prefer to stay put rather than uproot his life. With Khalil Mack also hitting free agency, the team is now preparing to replace both of its veteran pass rushers.
A reunion would make sense for both sides—but now that he’s on the open market, 31 other teams are in play.